United States Hits Record Low on Corruption Index
Analysis based on 7 articles · First reported Feb 10, 2026 · Last updated Feb 15, 2026
The declining corruption scores for major economies like the United States and United Kingdom could deter foreign investment and increase perceived political risk. This trend may lead to increased scrutiny from financial markets regarding governance and regulatory environments, potentially impacting currency stability and bond yields.
The United States achieved its lowest-ever score on Transparency International's 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, falling to 29th place globally. This significant drop from 75 in 2015 to 64 out of 100 in 2025 is attributed to actions such as the Donald Trump administration's freeze on Foreign Corrupt Practices Act enforcement and curtailment of the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Transparency International expressed serious concerns about these developments, which signal a tolerance for corrupt business practices and undermine judicial independence. The global average score also hit a decade low, with two-thirds of countries scoring below 50. Other nations like the United Kingdom, Canada, France, and Sweden also saw worrying declines. Transparency International emphasizes the need for stronger independent courts, transparent political funding, and protected press freedoms to reverse this global trend.
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